Superintendent Bernabe Balba, chief of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division, identified the arrested suspect as Roland Layola, 33, a native of Leyte and a resident of Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila.
Initial police investigation showed that the truck loaded with 1,400 iron bars, was forcibly taken by three armed men while on its way to deliver cargo in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The truck was stopped by armed men along Canumay road.
However, a patrol crew of the North Expressway flagged down the truck at the anti-overloading station of the Balintawak tollway.
The truck driver and crew sought police assistance but the three suspects were able to run and elude arrest. However, the third suspect was captured by pursuing lawmen.
The truck helper, identified as Roland Espina, was found hogtied inside the truck. It was the driver who tipped the police about the presence of hijackers in his truck.
Police seized a caliber .38 revolver from the suspect, while a manhunt was launched to capture the two other suspects.